Female enteral coupling

ABSTRACT

A container for collecting, transporting, storing, delivering and dispensing fluid. The container has a hollow tube with an outer circumference diameter and is configured to receive a plunger. The container also has a circumferential seal assembly secured at one end of the hollow tube. The seal assembly outer diameter is substantially similar to the hollow tube outer diameter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/563,923 filed Nov. 28, 2011 and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/191,721 filed Jul. 27, 2011, the entireties of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of collection anddispensing of fluids, and more particularly to a collection anddispensing system for biological fluids, such as breast milk and/ordietary or medicinal materials.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining aseptic integrity is of great importance in many fluidcollection and dispensing applications. For example, in the delivery ofbreast milk or formula to premature infants who are unable to feedregularly, freshness and prevention of contamination are critical. Thedelivery of enteral fluids is often controlled by regulations andmedical standards of practice.

In addition to proper collection and dispensing of biological fluids,such as breast milk or formula, it is also desirable to provide for thecontainment, mixing and delivery of pharmaceutical or nutritionalsupplements. Various consumer and/or professional applications wouldbenefit from improved systems and methods for fluid collection anddelivery.

It is to the provision of improved systems and methods for fluidcollection and delivery that the present invention is primarilydirected.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a container forcollecting, storing and dispensing fluid. The container includes ahollow tube configured to receive a plunger.

In a first example, the present invention comprises a self-ventingenteral syringe which includes a syringe body having an outside surfaceand defining a hollow internal cavity therein, the syringe bodyincluding an open end and a substantially closed end opposite the openend, the substantially closed end being integrally formed with theremainder of the syringe body. At least one vent extends from the hollowcavity to the outside surface of the syringe body and a plunger isoperable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity. A port ispositioned adjacent the substantially closed end.

In example forms, the vent is separate from the port and extends fromgenerally adjacent the substantially closed end to outside the syringebody. Optionally, the vent can comprise two vents including a first ventseparate from the port and extending from generally adjacent thesubstantially closed end to outside the syringe body and a second ventformed in the port. Also optionally, the port can comprise adouble-lumen seal such that a supply/discharge lumen and vent lumen canbe extended into the double-lumen port seal. In one example form, thevent is formed in or adjacent the port.

Optionally, a removable cap can be provided for covering and uncoveringthe substantially closed end of the syringe body. However, preferablythe integrally-formed, substantially closed end functions as anon-removable cap.

Optionally, an offset tip is formed or located in the substantiallyclosed end of the syringe body, the offset tip being positioned in alocation offset from a center of the substantially closed end of thesyringe body.

Advantageously, the vent(s) improve the filling of the syringe, whilethe integral cap provides a better, simpler closure at that end (andmakes a separate cap/lid unneeded in most instances). The offset tiphelps provide better control in the filling and dispensing and isparticularly helpful in maintaining uniformity in dispensing from thesyringe. The optional double-lumen port seal can provide convenientfilling/dispensing, while also providing a useful vent. Also, byutilizing the optional female port, a male-to-male connection canimprove safety.

In another example form, the present invention comprises a self-ventingenteral syringe including a syringe body having an outside surface anddefining a hollow internal cavity therein and at least one ventextending from the hollow cavity to the outside surface of the syringebody. The syringe body includes an open end and a substantially closedend opposite the open end, with the substantially closed end beingintegrally formed with the remainder of the syringe body. A plunger isoperable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity, while a port isformed in or adjacent the substantially closed end. A vent is positionedin or adjacent the port.

In another example form the present invention is a luer-tip-restrictingapparatus for use with liquid transfer equipment. Theluer-tip-restricting apparatus includes a female port assembly with ahollow body and with a top opening edge, a bottom opening edge and atapering inner diameter. The tapering inner diameter is designed toprevent formation of an air-tight fit with a luer tip. The luer-tiprestricting apparatus also has at least one stop protruding from thetapering inner diameter. The at least one stop is positioned within thetapering inner diameter to prevent an air-tight fit with a luer tipinserted into the top opening edge of the female port assembly.

In another example form, the present invention is a cap for use with asyringe bottle having a conical lid, a female barrel-shaped portassembly and a generally continuous circumferential groove. The capincludes a top planar surface with an elliptical shape with a major axisand a minor axis. The major axis is longer than the minor axis. The capincludes a generally continuous collar extending from the edge of thetop planar surface to a distal edge. The collar is constructed ofresiliently flexible material. The cap includes a pair of opposing gripsprotruding inwardly from the generally continuous collar. The grips areconfigured to be removably inserted within the syringe bottlecircumferential groove. The cap includes a plug that extends from thetop planar surface within the generally continuous collar dimensions.The plug is designed to removably insert into the syringe bottle portassembly.

In another example form, the present invention is an adaptor for usewith a syringe bottle having a conical lid, a female barrel-shaped portassembly and a generally continuous circumferential groove. The adaptorincludes a resiliently flexible elliptical collar with a major axis anda minor axis. The adaptor includes a funnel with a sloping surface andan elongated port with a distal end. The funnel extends within thedimensions of the major axis and the minor axis. The adaptor includes apair of opposing grips protruding inwardly from the elliptical collarand configured to be removably inserted within the syringe bottlecircumferential groove.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of theinvention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of a self-venting enteral syringeaccording to a first example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a sectional view of an optional removable cap portion of thesyringe of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a sectional view of the self-venting enteral syringe of FIG.1A.

FIG. 10 is an accessory port assembly according to an example embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of a self-venting enteral syringeaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of a removable cap according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a sectional view of the self-venting enteral syringe of FIG.2A.

FIG. 2D is a sectional view of an accessory port assembly according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a plan view of a double-lumen seal portion of theself-venting syringe of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F is a plan view of an alternate version of a double-lumen sealaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2G is a plan view of yet a further double-lumen seal.

FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of a luer-restricting syringeaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the luer-restricting syringe ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the luer-restricting syringe ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the luer-restricting syringe ofFIG. 3 in use with an enter-only syringe.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the luer-restricting syringe ofFIG. 3 in use with a commercially-available luer slip tip.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chimney insert and seal attachmentused with the luer-restricting syringe of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the chimney insert andseal attachment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the chimney insert of FIG. 6 without theseal attachment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the seal attachment of FIG. 6 removedfrom the chimney insert.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cap secured to the luer-restrictingsyringe according to another example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective cut-away view of the cap of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11secured to the luer-restricting syringe of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15B is a perspective cross-sectional view of an alternative exampleembodiment of the cap of FIG. 11 secured to the luer-restricting syringeof FIG. 3.

FIG. 16 is a perspective cut-away view of the cap of FIG. 11 secured tothe luer-restricting syringe of FIG. 3.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11 secured to theluer-restricting syringe of FIG. 3 as viewed along line A in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a top view of an alternative example embodiment of the cap ofFIG. 12 according to another example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of FIG. 18 as viewedalong the major X axis.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 18 as viewed alongthe minor axis.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 18 as viewed along the major Xaxis.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a breast-pump adaptor according toanother example embodiment of the present invention, shown secured tothe syringe body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 24A is a side view of the breast-pump adaptor of FIG. 23 as viewedalong the minor Y axis.

FIG. 24B is a side view of the breast pump adaptor of FIG. 23 as viewedalong the major X axis.

FIG. 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the breast pump adaptorof FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the breast-pump adaptorof FIG. 23 secured to the syringe body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a nipple adaptor according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention, shown secured to a commercialnipple and the syringe body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the nipple adaptor of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative exampleembodiment nipple adaptor according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention shown secured to an alternative commercial nipple andthe syringe body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a third alternative exampleembodiment nipple adaptor according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention, shown secured to an alternative commercial nipple.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the nipple adaptor of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the nipple adaptor of FIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, thedrawing figures depict various embodiments of self-venting enteralsyringes according to example embodiments of the present invention. FIG.1A shows a self-venting enteral syringe 10 according to a first exampleembodiment of the present invention. In general, the enteral syringe 10includes an elongated syringe body 20, a plunger 40, and an optionalcover or cap 60.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, the syringe body 20 defines an internalelongate cavity 22 that stretches substantially along the length of thebody from an open end 26 towards a substantially closed end 24. Inpreferred example embodiments, the cavity 22 substantially matches thecross-section of the syringe body 20, providing a substantially constantouter-wall thickness of the same. The substantially closed end 24comprises a supply/discharge port 30 and a vent 32, both integrallyformed with the syringe body 20 and positioned generally adjacent thesubstantially closed end 24. The closed end 24 can also include anintegrally formed mounting groove 37 for coupling with the cover or cap60.

The supply/discharge port 30 extends from the internal cavity 22 to theoutside surface of the syringe body 20 along a circumferential wall 31and surrounds a port seal 34 mounted therein. The port seal 34 can be anintegral flap, and integral fluid seal or a functional seal. Similarlyto the supply/discharge port 30, the vent 32 extends from the internalcavity 22 to the outside surface of the syringe body 20 along acircumferential wall 33 and surrounds a vent port seal 36 positionedtherein. Optionally, the supply/discharge port 30 and the vent 32 can bepositioned in a position offset from the center of the substantiallyclosed end of the syringe body 24. The optional offset position of port30 and vent 32 can allow a more controlled filling and uniformdispensing of fluids.

The proximal end 26 of the syringe body 20 includes an opening 38 forreceiving the plunger 40 therein and also includes a flange 23 forsupporting the syringe in an upright position and assisting in use ofthe syringe. Optionally, the flange 23 can have an asymmetric crosssection, for example to prevent the syringe 10 from rolling when lyingin a non-vertical position. The syringe body 20 can have a substantiallycircular cross-section (as depicted in FIGS. 1-2), or can comprise anoval, elliptical, rectangular, or asymmetric cross-section as desired,and the opening 38 generally has a cross-section that is sized andshaped to snugly receive an inserted complementary plunger 40. Theplunger 40 depicted in the figures comprises a first seal 41 and asecond seal 43 to prevent fluid passage out of the contained volume 22,and allow the plunger to advance and retract within the syringe body 20.Optionally, the plunger can comprise one seal or may comprise two ormore seals.

The cover or cap 60, as shown in FIG. 1B, is removably mountable to thesubstantially closed end 24 of the syringe body 20 and comprises acircumferential wall 61 extending from a circular lid panel 62 having aperimeter 64. A lower portion of the circumferential wall 61 comprises apartially circumferential mounting flange 63 for engaging thesubstantially closed end 24 of the syringe body 20, for example themounting groove 37 shown in FIG. 1C. An upper portion of thecircumferential wall 61 comprises a pinchable or squeezable rim 68extending above the lid panel 62. The squeezable rim 68 can pivot aboutthe perimeter 64 of the lid panel 62 to disengage the lower portionmounting flange 63 from the mounting groove 37, for example to removethe closure cap 60 from the syringe. Optionally, the closure cap can beattached to the body by a hinge or keeper, or can be non-removable, forexample by entirely omitting the squeezable rim 68 or by having a fullycircumferential rim. Additionally, the interior portion of the lid panel62 comprises a sealing stem 65 and concentric ridges 66, 67, having anappearance much like a “bulls-eye” to provide a more positive seal withthe port seal 34. With the closure cap coupled to the substantiallyclosed end 24 of the syringe body 20, the stem 65 and ridges 66, 67formed in the underside of the lid panel 62 are brought into sealingengagement with the top surface of port seal 34 and vent port seal 36 toprovide a more positive seal against the elements.

To ensure a proper circumferential orientation of the interior sealingelements with respect to one another, the enteral syringe 10 cancomprise an exposed notch 28 and the closure cap 60 can comprise arecessed portion 70. The notch 28 and the recessed portion 70 areengagable with each other and ensure proper orientation upon couplingthe closure cap 60 to the syringe body 20. Additionally, the diameter ofthe circumferential wall 61 is substantially equivalent to the diameterof the syringe body 20.

In additional example embodiments, FIG. 10 shows a breast pumpattachment port assembly 80 for removably coupling to the substantiallyclosed end 24 of the syringe body 20. The port assembly 80 comprises acircumferential wall 81 having a top portion with threading 84 on theexterior surface and a bottom portion surrounding a substantially closedshelf 82. The substantially closed shelf 82 comprises a fill/transfernipple 86 for extending through the port seal 34 and a vent nipple 88for extending through the vent port seal 36. The fill/transfer nipple 86(can alternatively be termed a “straw,” “port” or “spike”) comprises anelongated cylindrical tube having a hollow interior portion extendingthrough the shelf 82 to allow fluid communication with the interior ofthe cavity 22. The vent nipple 88 (can alternatively be termed a“straw,” “port” or “spike”) comprises an elongated cylindrical tubehaving a hollow interior portion extending along a path to the outsideof the circumferential wall 81.

FIGS. 2A and 2C show an alternative embodiment of a self-venting enteralsyringe 110, substantially similar to the above-described system 10 withdifferences as noted below. The syringe body 120 defines an internalelongate cavity 122 that stretches substantially along the length of thebody from an open end 126 towards a substantially closed end 124. Thesubstantially closed end 124 comprises a supply/discharge port 130integrally formed with the syringe body 120 and extending generallyadjacent the substantially closed end 124. The supply/discharge port 130extends from the internal cavity 122 to the outside surface of thesyringe body 120 along a circumferential wall 131 and surrounds a portseal 134. The port seal 134 is sealingly engaged within thecircumferential wall 131 of the port 130 with a tight friction orinterference fit and can comprise a double-lumen seal 190 (see FIGS.2E-G). The double-lumen seal 190 comprises a supply/discharge lumen 192and a vent lumen 194. The supply/discharge lumen 192 and the vent lumen194 can have substantially circular cross-sections (as depicted in FIG.2G), or can comprise an oval, elliptical, rectangular, ornon-symmetrical cross-sections as desired (as depicted in FIGS. 2E-F).

The cover or cap 160, as shown in FIG. 2B, is removably mountable to thesubstantially closed end 124 of the syringe body 120 and comprises acircumferential wall 161 extending from a circular lid panel 162 havinga perimeter 164. A lower portion of the circumferential wall 161comprises a partially circumferential mounting flange 163 for engagingthe substantially closed end 124 of the syringe body 120, for examplethe mounting groove 137 shown in FIG. 2C. An upper portion of thecircumferential wall 161 comprises a pinchable or squeezable rim 168extending above the lid panel 162. The squeezable rim 168 can pivotabout the perimeter 164 of the lid panel 162 to disengage the lowerportion mounting flange 163 from the mounting groove 137, for example toremove the closure cap 160 from the syringe. Optionally, the closure capcan be non-removable, for example by entirely omitting the squeezablerim 168 or by having a fully circumferential rim. Additionally, theinterior portion of the lid panel 162 comprises concentric ridges 166,167, having an appearance much like a “bulls-eye” to provide a morepositive seal with the port seal 134. With the closure cap coupled tothe substantially closed end 124 of the syringe body 120, the ridges166, 167 formed in the underside of the lid panel 162 are brought intosealing engagement with the top surface of port seal 134 to provide amore positive seal against the elements.

To ensure a proper circumferential orientation of the interior sealingelements with respect to one another, the enteral syringe 110 cancomprise an exposed notch 128 and the closure cap 160 can comprise arecessed portion 170. The notch 128 and the recessed portion 170 areengagable with each other and ensure proper orientation upon couplingthe closure cap 160 to the syringe body 120. Additionally, the diameterof the circumferential wall 161 is substantially equivalent to thediameter of the syringe body 120.

FIG. 2D depicts a scaled alternative embodiment of a breast pumpattachment port assembly 180. The port assembly 180 has acircumferential wall 181 having a top portion with threading 184 on theexterior surface and a bottom portion surrounding a substantially closedshelf 182 having a double-channel nipple 186 (can alternatively betermed a “straw,” “port” or “spike”). The double-channel nipple 186comprises a fill/transfer channel 187 and a vent channel 188. Thefill/transfer channel 187 extends through the shelf 182 to allow fluidcommunication with the interior of the cavity 122 and is shaped toengage the supply/discharge lumen 192. The vent channel 188 extendsalong a path to the outside of the circumferential wall 181 and isshaped to engage the vent lumen 194. Additionally, the circumferentialwall 181 has a partially circumferential mounting flange 188 forengaging the mounting groove 137 of the substantially closed end 124 ofthe syringe body 120.

In operation, the syringe 10, 110 of the present invention can be usedin various applications, including the enteral administration ofnutrients and/or medications to a patient. External devices, such as abreast pump, can be mounted to the port assembly by the threading. Whenthe plunger is fully engaged into the cavity, fluid from the externaldevice can be supplied to the syringe through the fill/transfer nippleor the fill/transfer channel of the double-channel nipple. As fluidbegins to fill the cavity, excess air or gas within the cavity can beremoved by the vent nipple, the vent channel, or a combination of both.Additionally, a male-to-male adaptor tube can be formed. Themale-to-male adaptor tube can accommodate enteral feeding by connectingthe female port of the self-venting enteral syringe to a traditionalfemale extension of an enteral feeding tube.

All of the components discussed and described herein can be formed fromplastics (i.e. polypropolene), other polymers, glass, metals, metalalloys, resins, rubbers, rubber derivatives, elastomerics (i.e.santoprene), silicones or other known materials. In commercialembodiments, the syringe body 20, 120 can be formed from polypropylene,polyethylene or polypropylene copolymers, the plunger is formed from thesame, and the plunger seals formed from elastomer 40, 140 is formed froman elastomeric. Optionally, color additivies may be added to provideprotection from UV light and/or colorants may be added to the syringe10, 110 as desired and/or to identify certain properties/characteristics(i.e. administration path) or contents. In alternative embodiments, thesyringe can include external markings to indicate volume capacity andremaining content levels.

An alternative embodiment enteral-only luer-restricting syringe isdescribed in FIGS. 3-10. The luer-restricting syringe allows a singlesyringe body to receive, store, transport, transfer and deliver fluidwithin a single chamber. A lid 304 is secured to an open end of acylindrical syringe body 302 through a variety of methods, includingfriction fit, corresponding threading, tongue and groove, or adhesive.Preferably, the lid 302 is integrally co-molded with the syringe body302. Similarly to the syringe bodies 20, 120 described above, thealternative syringe body 302 defines an elongate interior cavity chamberfor receiving and storing material, for example fluid. The syringe body305 has a generally circular circumference. A generally continuousgroove 312 is extends around the outer circumference between the lid 304and the syringe body 302. The continuous groove 312 can be integrallyformed with the syringe body 302. Alternatively, a continuous groove canbe formed around the outer surfaces of either the lid or the syringebody. As depicted, the groove 312 includes a pair of ribs 306 thatinterrupt the continuity of the groove. Additional ribs 306 canalternatively be included within the groove 312. The ribs 306 act asbarriers to prevent unwanted rotation of adaptors or caps with respectto the groove 312, as described further below. As depicted, the lid 304can be generally conical with a peak 308 and a hollow interior. However,alternative shapes can be similarly effective.

As depicted, a female supply/discharge port assembly 300, including abarrel receiver 314 and chimney insert 318, extends upwardly over anaperture (not shown) in the lid 304. The supply/discharge port assembly300 can be secured to the lid through a variety of fixation methods,including friction fit, corresponding threading, tongue and groove, oradhesive. Preferably, the barrel receiver 314 can be integrallyco-molded with the lid 304. The chimney insert 318 is separably securedwithin the barrel receiver 314. The chimney insert 318 can be securedwith respect to the barrel receiver 314 through an interference orfriction fit, conjoined through adhesives, bonded through heat,radiofrequency, ultrasonic, or over-molded by molding the barrelreceiver over the chimney insert. As further depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C, anintegral continuous groove 380 extends around the circumferentialinterior surface of the barrel receiver 314. As depicted, the barrelreceiver 314 can include a pair of opposing wing recessions 310 definedlongitudinally-parallel along the interior surface of the barrelreceiver 314 from the top edge to a defined termination position beforereaching the continuous groove 380. Alternatively, the barrel receiver314 can include a greater or lesser number of wing recessions 310positioned at various locations on the internal circumference. Asdepicted, the barrel receiver 314 has a circumferential surface withvariable height at particular locations between the top and bottomopenings along the circumference, thus producing a slanted bottom edgewith a minimum and maximum height.

As depicted, the chimney insert 318 includes an upper region 354, alower region 358 and a neck 370. The chimney insert 318 is preferablyintegrally molded as a continuous unitary body and can be constructed ofa rigid, durable material, for example plastic or metal. The chimneyinsert 318 has an inner passageway 320 with a generally consistentdiameter. The upper region 354 includes a top edge and transitionsurface 352 leading into the inner passageway 320. The upper region 354can also include a pair of opposing wing protrusions 350 having asubstantially similar shape and dimensions as the barrel receiver wingrecessions 310. The protrusions 350 are designed to be securely receivedwithin the wing recessions 310 in the barrel receiver 314. A continuousridge 356 protrudes around the circumferential outer surface of thechimney insert 318 and distinguishes the upper region 354 from the lowerregion 358. The continuous ridge 356 is designed to secure within thecontinuous groove 380 in the barrel receiver 314. As depicted, the upperregion 354 and the lower region 358 can have a generally consistentouter diameter.

The neck 370 extends from below the lower region 358. The neck 370 has asmaller outer diameter than the upper 354 and lower 358 region outerdiameters, thus producing an overhang of the lower region over the neck.A finger protrusion 333 extends onto the outer surface of the neck 370.The finger protrusion 333 has an outer-surface diameter consistent withthe lower region 358, thus creating a generally consistent outer surfaceacross the lower region and the finger protrusion. The finger protrusion333 is designed to be received in a finger recession 378 of a seal, asfurther described below. As depicted, the neck 370 has a circumferentialsurface with variable height at particular locations along thecircumference between the top and bottom openings, thus producing aslanted bottom edge with a minimum and maximum height.

A pair of stops 330 protrude from the interior surface of the chimneyinsert 318. As depicted, the stops 330 are positioned opposite eachother along inner surface of the lower region 358 of the chimney insert318. Alternatively, a single stop or multiple stops can extend from theinner surface of the chimney insert 318. As depicted, the stops 330 canhave a tapered inwardly-facing surface that narrows in diameter towardthe neck 370. Alternatively, the inwardly-facing surface of the stops330 can have a consistent diameter.

The chimney insert 314 has a tapering inner diameter that is designed toreceive an enteral-only syringe tip 400, such as shown in FIG. 5B. Acommercially-available enteral-only syringe tip 400 has a tapered shape.The inner diameter of the chimney insert 314 has a larger upper diameterand a smaller lower diameter in order to correspond with a commercialenteral-only tip. Upon being inserted into the top opening of thepassageway 320 of the chimney insert 314, the tapered enteral-only tip400 creates a friction-fit air-tight seal with the chimney at the pointwhen the tapered enteral-only tip 400 diameter matches the chimneyinsert 314 diameter. As shown, the friction-fit air-tight seal is formedwithout the enteral-only tip 400 contacting the stops 330. Thisfriction-fit air-tight seal allows fluids to be transferred between theenteral-only syringe 400 and the syringe body 302 without acquiringoutside contaminants.

As depicted in FIG. 5C, the chimney insert 314 is designed to not createan air-tight seal with a commercially-available luer tip 402, forexample a luer-slip-tip, having dimensions defined by ISO 594/1-1986(E)and ISO 594-2:1998(E) conical fittings with a 6% Luer taper forsyringes, needles and certain other medical equipment, herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes. A commercially-availableluer tip 402, or luer-slip-tip has a smaller minimum diameter andsmaller maximum diameter than the enteral-only tip 400. As depicted, thestops 330 prevent the luer tip 402 from extending within the chimneyinsert 314 to a distance that would be required for the luer tip 402 toform an air-tight friction-fit with the chimney insert. Specifically thedistance between the stops 330, specifically the inwardly-facing surfacehas a maximum of, or is preferably less than, 3.925 mm, which is theminimum diameter for a 6% Luer tip end of the male conical fitting asdefined by ISO standards. Additionally, the diameter of the top openingof the chimney insert 318 has a minimum of, or is preferably greaterthan, 4.315 mm, which is the maximum diameter at the opening of a femaleconical fitting to receive a 6% luer conical fitting. This inability toform a friction-fit air-tight seal prevents the chimney insert 314 frombeing effectively used with a luer tip 402 because contaminants cannotbe excluded from any liquid being transferred between the luer tip andthe syringe body 302. This meets the provisions of such standards as ISO80369 by restricting engagement of luer connectors and enteralconnectors to prevent intermingling of the fluid paths.

A seal attachment 362 is depicted to attach with respect to the neck 370of the chimney insert 318. The seal attachment 372 has a continuouscircumferential collar 372 that fits around the neck 370 and has anouter diameter that is generally consistent with the outer diameter ofthe lower region 358 of the chimney insert 318. The continuouscircumferential collar 372 also has a finger cutout 378 to receive thefinger protrusion 333 on the chimney insert 318.

The continuous circumferential collar 372 is secured around the neck 370through a friction-fit and/or an adhesive. The seal attachment 372includes a pair of flaps 374. As depicted, the flaps 374 have agenerally semi-circular shape with a smaller diameter than the interiordiameter of the continuous circumferential collar 372, thus providing agenerally-continuous gap 364 between the flaps and the continuouscircumferential collar. The flexible flaps 374 are secured to thecontinuous circumferential collar 372 through a pair of bridge mounts376. As depicted, the flaps 374 are separated by an elongated channel377. The seal 362 is preferably constructed as a single unitary bodyincluding the continuous circumferential collar 372, the bridge mounts376 and the flaps 374. The seal attachment 362 is preferably constructedof a flexible material, for example plastic, rubber or silicone.

In use, the seal attachment 372 is secured with respect to the chimneyinsert neck 372 and the flaps 374 prevent or restrict solid particlesfrom entering or exiting the syringe body 302 and to augment the flow offluid into and out of the syringe body. Alternatively, the flaps 374 canbe secured directly to the circumferential collar 372 without the gap364. Alternatively still, the flaps 374 can resiliently rest togetherforming an air-tight seal that is only broken with a protruding body,for example a tube or straw, that is forced between the flaps.

As depicted in FIGS. 11-22, the syringe body 302 can be stored ortransported standing vertically upright on a platform 406. In storage ortransport, the contents held within the internal chamber of syringe body302 can be protected with a removable cap 500.

The cap 500 has a top planar surface 502 and a generally continuouscollar 504 extending downwardly from the edge of the top planar surface.The collar 504 can have a consistent height from the top planar surface502 to a distal edge. The generally continuous collar 504 is preferablyconstructed of resiliently-flexible material, for example plastic. Asdepicted, the top planar surface 502 can have an elliptical shape with amajor (X) axis and a minor (Y) axis. A first pinch recession 508 can beformed at one end of the major (X) axis. A second pinch recession 510can be formed at an opposite end of the major (X) axis. The first 508and second pinch recessions 510 can extend partially along the topplanar surface 502 and generally across the height of the collar 504. Inuse, inwardly-directed pinching pressure applied simultaneously to thefirst 508 and second 510 pinch recessions, along the major (X) axis,causes the resiliently-flexible collar 504 to change its shape toshorten the major (X) axis and lengthen the minor (Y) axis. When thissimultaneous pressure is released, the resiliently-flexible collar 504returns to the pre-pressure relaxed state.

A pair of teeth grips 514 extend inwardly from the interior surface ofthe collar 504. As depicted, the teeth grips 514 can be positioneddiametrically opposite each other, and separated by and along the minor(Y) axis. Alternatively, additional pairs of teeth grips at alternativelocations can be similarly effective. The teeth grips 514 are preferablyintegrally co-molded with the cap 500. The teeth grips 514 have a shapethat is designed to removably insert into the continuous groove 312between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302 described above. In arelaxed state without application of a pinching pressure describedabove, the minor (Y) axis length is shorter than the diameter of thesyringe body 302. In a similarly relaxed state, the minor (Y) axislength is generally equivalent to the distance between opposing pointsalong the inner-most surface of the continuous groove 312. In therelaxed state, the resilient force of the cap 500 presses the teethgrips 514 into the continuous groove 312, thus preventing the cap frominvoluntary removal during transport or storage. Correspondingly to thatdescribed above, applying a simultaneous major (X) axis pinchingpressure to each pinch recession 508, 510 elongates the minor (Y) axisand removes the teeth grips 514 out of the continuous groove 312 so thatthe cap 500 can be removed. In use a depicted in FIG. 17, the teethgrips 514 preferably insert into the continuous groove 312 between thepair of ribs 306 to prevent the cap 500 from rotating with respect tothe groove.

As depicted, a plug is secured through an aperture (not shown) in thetop surface region of the second pinch recession 510. The plug includesa base that secures above the top surface 502 and a rigid probe thatextends through the aperture (not shown) and below the top surface. Theplug is preferably integrally constructed of a unitary single-bodyconstruction. The probe preferably is tapered and has dimensions thatare generally consistent with an enteral-only tip, similar to the tip400 described above. A first example plug 506 can have an opening in thedistal end 519 of the probe 518 with a hollow bore extending to a closedbase 516. Alternatively as shown in FIG. 15B, a second example plug canhave a base 516B with an opening 517 and a bore that extends into aprobe 518B that has a closed distal end 519B. Alternatively still, athird example plug can have a solid base and solid probe without anyopenings or internal bores.

The plug can be separately constructed and then fixed through the cap500 through a variety of fixation methods, including friction fit,threading, and adhesive. Preferably, the plug can be integrallyco-molded with the cap 500 to form a unitary body.

In use, the probe 518, 518B inserts into the passageway 320 in theabove-described chimney insert 318 until it forms an air-tightfriction-fit seal similar to that described with the enteral-only tip400. This seal is air-tight and prevents unwanted material from enteringor exiting the syringe body 302 during storage or transport.

A rigid support 512 extends downwardly from the top planar surface 502within the cap 500. As depicted, the support 512 can have asemi-circular wall shape with a disconnect. As further depicted, thesupport 512 can be positioned with respect to the cap 500 such that theplug 506 is positioned within the disconnect of the semi-circular wallshape. As depicted, the plug 506 and support 512 can be aligned offsetfrom center along the major (X) axis. In use, when the probe 518, 518Bis inserted into the chimney insert 318, a distal edge of the support512 contacts the lid 304. This contact between the support 512 and thelid 304 assists to prevent the probe 518, 518B from inserting anunwanted distance into the chimney 314, as shown in FIGS. 15A-16. Thesemi-circular shape of the support 512 corresponds with the cone shapeof the lid 304 to maintain an even distribution of support. The proximalend of the support 512 can be fixed to the cap 500 through a variety offixation methods, including friction-fit and adhesive. Preferably, thesupport 512 is integrally co-molded with the cap 500 to form a unitarystructure.

As depicted in FIGS. 18-22, an alternative cap 500A can align a plug 414and support 422, of similar design and structure to plug 506 and support512 described above, along the center of the minor (Y) axis, thus turnedninety degrees and shifted toward center from the cap 500 describedabove. Similarly to the cap 500 described above, a pair of teeth grips416 are depicted to align along and be separated by, the minor (Y) axis.

An elongated marker 412 can integrally protrude from the outer surfaceof the cap 500A and extends from the plug downwardly along the outsideof the collar 418. This marker 412 assists a user to align the cap 500Awith a marker 702 on the syringe body 302 described below in FIG. 23.The marker 412 can alternatively be a recessed groove or surfaceindicator. A similar marker can be integrated with cap 500.

As depicted, the collar 418 can have a variable height from the topplanar surface to the distal edge. As viewed along the major (X) axis inFIG. 22, the distal edge can have a pair of opposing convex outward arcs430. As viewed along the minor (Y) axis in FIG. 21, the distal edge canhave a pair of concave inward arcs 432. There can be a smooth transitionbetween the convex 430 and concave 432 arcs. A pinch grip 434 having atextured criss-crossed or embossed pattern, or similar surface, isdepicted to be present on a side of the cap so as to improve usability.As depicted, the pinch grip 434 can be located on the outer surfacealong the major (X) axis of the cap. Alternatively, the collar 418 canhave a pair of opposing pinch grips on either end of the major (X) axis.

FIGS. 23-28 shows an adaptor 704 that can attach to the enteral-onlysyringe described above. As depicted, the adaptor 704 has a base region710, a mouth region 714 and a transition waist 712 between the base andthe mouth. There is an opening 720 through the mouth 714 and an opening730 through the base 710. As depicted, the mouth region 714 and waistregion 712 have a generally circular circumference. The waist 712 isdepicted to have a smaller diameter than the mouth 714. The mouth 714can include an attachment mechanism 708, for example a threaded outersurface, to attach a standard commercially-available breast pump.

As depicted in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the base region 710 can have anelliptical shape similar to the cap collars 504, 418 described above.FIG. 24A shows the base region 710, as viewed along the minor (Y) axisand FIG. 24B shows the base region as viewed along the major (X) axis.Similarly to the cap collars 504, 418 described above, the base region710 is preferably constructed of resiliently-flexible material, forexample plastic. In use, pinching pressure applied simultaneously to theopposing ends of the base region 710, along the major (X) axis, causesthe resiliently-flexible base 710 region to change its shape to shortenthe major (X) axis and lengthen the minor (Y) axis. When thissimultaneous pressure is released, the resiliently-flexible base region710 returns to the pre-pressure relaxed state and dimensions.

As depicted, the base region 710 can include a pinch grip 711 on one ofthe opposing ends of the major (X) axis to improve usability whenapplying pinch pressure. Alternatively, the base region 710 can have apair of opposing pinch grips on either end of the major (X) axis. Thepinch grip 711 can have a criss-crossed, embossed or similar texturedappearance.

A funnel 723 separates, and enables fluid passage between, the interiorof the mouth region 714 from the interior of the base region 710. Thefunnel 723 includes a generally-circumferential slide 738 that directsany liquid or material downward towards a port 732. The port 732 isdepicted to be hollow and elongated and has a distal end that extendswithin the base region 710 of the adaptor 704. The slide 738 extendsfrom the inner wall of the adaptor 704 and includes a downwardly-slopedsurface. The downwardly-sloped surface extends towards the port 732. Theport 732 is preferably positioned off-center and toward an end of themajor (X) axis, preferably near the waist 712.

A support 734 extends downwardly away from the slide 738. The support734 can have a semi-circular wall shape with disconnect similar to thesupports 512, 422 in the caps 500, 410 described above. The support 734can also be positioned such that the port 732 is situated within thedisconnect of the semi-circular wall shape. In use, the port 732 isinserted into the passageway 329 of the chimney 318 in the lid 304. Theport 732 has a narrow diameter preventing the port from creating a,air-tight seal with the chimney insert 318. The port 732 has a lengththat allows it to extend through the channel 377 between the flaps 374in the seal without forming an air-tight seal. This allows easyintroduction of liquid into the syringe body 302 with simultaneousventing of any trapped air within the syringe body chamber. A distal endof the support 734 contacts the lid 304 without applying any pressure tothe lid. This alignment of the support 734 and the lid 304 assists toprevent the port 732 from inserting an unwanted distance into thechimney 314, as shown in FIG. 26. The semi-circular shape of the support732 corresponds with the cone shape of the lid 304 to maintain an evendistribution of support.

Similarly to the alternative cap 500A described above, the position ofthe port, funnel and support in the adaptor 704 can be turned ninetydegrees and centered to aligned along the minor (Y) axis.

Similarly to the caps 500, 410 described above, the adaptor 700 caninclude a pair of similarly-designed teeth grips 736 that extendinwardly from the interior surface of the base region 710. The teethgrips 736 can extend from diametrically opposed locations along themajor (X) axis of the base region 710. Alternatively, additional teethgrips 736 at alternative locations can be effective. The teeth grips 736are preferably co-molded with the adaptor 704. The shape of the teethgrips 736 is designed to removably insert into the circumferentialgroove 312 between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302. The resilientforce of the base region 710 presses the teeth grips 736 into thecircumferential groove 312 when the base region is in a relaxed state,thus preventing the adaptor 704 from involuntary removal during use.Applying simultaneous inward pinching pressure to opposing ends of thebase 710 major (X) axis elongates the minor (Y) axis and removes theteeth grips 736 out of the circumferential groove 312 so that theadaptor 704 can be removed. Similarly to the caps 500, 410 describedabove, the teeth grips 736 preferably insert between the pair of ribs306 in the groove 312 to prevent the adaptor 704 from rotating withinthe groove.

The syringe body 302 can alternatively have a marker 706 that alignswith a corresponding marker 706 on the adaptor 704 when the adaptor issecured to the syringe body. As depicted in FIG. 26, the markers 702,706 can be elongated etchings on the exterior surface of the syringebody 302 and adaptor 704, however, alternative shapes are consideredeffective. The markers 702, 706 can alternatively be bodies protrudingfrom the outer surface or surface indicators.

A commercially-available nipple attachment is shown in FIGS. 27-29 tosecure to the syringe body 302 through an adaptor 810 described above.The nipple attachment 800 includes a flexible nipple 802, for example anAbbot®, or Evenflo® brand nipple. The nipple 802 has a circumferentiallip 804 that is secured between a threaded collar/ring 806 and anadaptor 810. When the nipple 802, threaded collar/ring 806 and adaptor810 are secured to the syringe body 302, liquid contained within thesyringe body can be forced outward through the nipple.

The threaded collar/ring 806 has a circumferential top surface 822 witha central aperture through which the nipple 802 extends upwardly. Thehandle 806 also has a circumferential underhang 824 positioned in aparallel plane beneath the top surface 822. A grip surface 820 extendscircumferentially perpendicular between the top surface 822 and theunderhang 824. A fastening mechanism 826, for example a snap-on feature,extends along the inner facing surface of the vertical grip surface 820.The snap-on feature 826 can secure to a corresponding snap-on on theadaptor 810, as described below. Preferably, the threaded collar/ring806 is integrally molded as a unitary structure.

The depicted adaptor 810 includes an outer collar 830 positionedperpendicularly to a shelf 836. The collar 830 preferably has anelliptical circumference similar to the caps 500, 410 described above.The shelf 836 can have a generally circular circumference. As depicted,the shelf 836 can have a circumferential wall extending perpendicularlyaway from the edge of the circular shelf and a fastening mechanism 833,for example a snap-on feature, to cooperate with the fastening mechanism826. The lip 804 of the nipple 802 is secured between the lid 822 andthe shelf 836. Several ribs 838 extend perpendicularly upward from theshelf 836 and align with the interior surface of the nipple 802 toprevent the nipple 802 from collapsing during use. Alternatively, theribs 838 can be a single circumferential structure that lines theentirety of the internal surface of the nipple 802.

FIG. 29 presents an alternative nipple attachment 900 to that shown inFIG. 28. The attachment embodiment 900 has a generally-consistentconstruction, design and function as the attachment 810, but includes anextended anti-collapse seal 908 instead of the anti-collapse ribs 838.The anti-collapse seal 908 includes a support section 904 that conformsto the shape of the nipple 802 and a barrier section 906 that extendsfrom the ends of the support section. The anti-collapse seal 908includes a resiliently-sealable aperture 912 near the center of thebarrier. The anti-collapse seal 908 ensures an air-tight seal thatallows for use without a movable plunger 808.

Similarly to the caps 500, 410 described above, the adaptor collar 830is preferably constructed of resiliently-flexible material, for exampleplastic and has an elliptical shape with a major (X) axis and a minor(Y) axis. In use, pinching pressure applied simultaneously to theopposing ends of the major (X) axis of the adaptor collar 830 causes theresiliently-flexible collar to change its shape to shorten the major (X)axis and lengthen the minor (Y) axis. When this simultaneous pressure isreleased, the resiliently-flexible collar 830 returns to thepre-pressure relaxed state and dimensions.

A support 842, similar to the cap 500 described above, extends downardlyfrom the shelf 836. The support 842 can have a semi-circular wall shapewith a disconnect and the support 842 can be positioned with respect tothe shelf 836 such that an enteral-only tip 840 is positioned within thedisconnect of the semi-circular wall shape. The enteral-only tip 840extends from the underside of the shelf 836, as depicted. Theenteral-only tip 840 forms an air-tight interference or friction-fitseal with the chimney insert 318, similarly to the plug 516 describedabove. A cover seal 839 can extend across the opening of theenteral-only tip 840 to prevent entry and exit of ambient air withrespect to the syringe body 302. The cover seal 839 ensures an air-tightseal that allows for use without a movable plunger 808. In use, when theenteral-only tip 840 is inserted into the chimney insert 318, a distaledge of the support 842 contacts the lid 304. This alignment of thesupport 842 and the lid 304 assists to prevent the enteral-only tip 840from inserting an unwanted distance into the chimney 314. Thesemi-circular shape of the support 842 corresponds with the cone shapeof the lid 304 to maintain an even distribution of support. The port 840and support 842 can be aligned off-center along the major (X) axiswithin the adaptor collar 830.

A pair of teeth grips 832, similar in design, construction and functionto the teeth 416, 514 described above, extend inwardly from the interiorsurface of the collar 830. As depicted, pair of teeth grips 832 canextend from diametrically opposed locations separated along the minor(Y) axis of the collar 830. Alternatively, additional pairs of teethgrips at alternative locations can be effective. The teeth grips 832 arepreferably co-molded with the adaptor 810. The shape of the teeth grips832 is designed to removably insert into the continuous groove 312between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302. The resilient force of thecollar 830 presses the teeth grips 832 into the continuous groove 312when the collar is in a relaxed state, thus preventing the adaptor 810from involuntary removal during use. Applying simultaneous inwardpinching pressure opposing ends of the major (X) axis of the collar 830elongates the minor (Y) axis and removes the teeth grips 832 out of thecontinuous groove 312 so that the adaptor 810 can be removed. The teethgrips 832 preferably inserted between the pair of ribs 306 in thecontinuous groove 312 to prevent the collar 830 from rotating within thegroove.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 30-32, a nipple attachment 962 with acommercially-available nipple 964 secured to a handle can be secured toan alternative adaptor 960. The nipple 964 is secured beneath acircumferential lid 966 with a circumferential handle 968 having aninternal threaded surface 970. The adaptor 960 has an outer wall with acorresponding circumferential threaded surface 976 that can secure tothe handle threaded surface 970. The adaptor 960 includes a collar 972that is positioned within the circumference of the outer wallcircumferential threaded surface 976. The collar 972 has a greaterheight than the outer wall circumferential threaded surface 970. Thecollar 972 can have an elliptical circumference with a major (X) axisand a minor (Y) axis. Similarly to the breast-pump adaptor 704 describedabove, the nipple adaptor 960 has an elongated port 980 with a proximalopening 989 and a distal opening 991 extending from a shelf 975. Thenipple adaptor 960 also has a support 978 that is depicted to have asemi-circular wall shape with a disconnect. As depicted, the port 980 ispositioned within the disconnect of the support 978. Similarly to thealternative cap 500A, the port 980 and the support 978 can becentrally-aligned along the minor (Y) axis within the collar 972. Theadaptor 960 can also include a raised platform or seal 957 secured withrespect to the top surface and interfacing with the nipple 964. Thisraised platform or seal 957 can be a ring-shape constructed of flexiblematerial, for example rubber or silicone. The seal 957 can have anadjustable dimension, for example diameter, and is preferably ribbed, toallow for venting of trapped air. The nipple 964 rests with respect tothe raised platform or seal 957 so as to allow the venting of air asliquid passes through towards and outward from the nipple.

In use, the distal opening 991 of the port 980 inserts into thepassageway 320 in the above-described chimney insert 318 until it formsa friction-fit similar to that with the enteral-only tip 400. Thefriction fit is air-tight and prevents unwanted material from enteringor exiting the syringe body 302 during use.

The adaptor collar 972 is preferably constructed of resiliently-flexiblematerial, for example plastic and has an elliptical shape with a major(X) axis and a minor (Y) axis. In use, pressure applied simultaneouslyto the opposing ends of the major (X) axis of the adaptor collar 972causes the resiliently-flexible collar to change its shape to shortenthe major (X) axis and lengthen the minor (Y) axis. When thissimultaneous pressure is released, the resiliently-flexible collar 972returns to the pre-pressure relaxed state and dimensions.

A pair of teeth grips 974 similar in design, construction and functionto the teeth 416, 514 described above extend inwardly from the interiorsurface of the collar 972. As depicted, the pair of teeth grips 974 canextend from diametrically opposed locations separated along the minor(Y) axis of the collar 972. Alternatively, additional pairs of teethgrips at alternative locations can be effective. The teeth grips 974 arepreferably co-molded with the adaptor 960. The shape of the teeth grips974 is designed to removably insert into the continuous groove 312between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302. The resilient force of thecollar 830 presses the teeth grips 832 into the continuous groove 312when the collar is in a relaxed state, thus preventing the adaptor 810from involuntary removal during use. Applying simultaneous inwardpinching pressure opposing ends of the major (X) axis of the collar 830elongates the minor (Y) axis and removes the teeth grips 832 out of thecontinuous groove 312 so that the adaptor 810 can be removed. The teethgrips 832 preferably inserted between the pair of ribs 306 in thecontinuous groove 312 to prevent the collar 830 from rotating within thegroove.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred andexample embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within thescope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

1. A integral-venting enteral syringe comprising: a syringe body havingan outside surface and defining a hollow internal cavity therein thesyringe body including an open end and a substantially closed endopposite the open end, the substantially closed end being integrallyformed with the remainder of the syringe body; at least one ventextending from the hollow cavity to the outside surface of the syringebody, a plunger operable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity;and a port adjacent the substantially closed end.
 2. Theintegral-venting enteral syringe of claim 1 wherein the vent is separatefrom the port and extends from generally adjacent the substantiallyclosed end to outside the syringe body.
 3. The integral-venting enteralsyringe of claim 1 wherein the vent comprises two vents including afirst vent separate from the port seal and extending from generallyadjacent the substantially closed end to outside the syringe body and asecond vent formed in the port.
 4. The integral-venting enteral syringeof claim 4 wherein the port comprises a double-lumen seal such that asupply/discharge lumen and vent lumen can be extended into thedouble-lumen port seal.
 5. The integral-venting enteral syringe of claim1 wherein the vent is formed in or adjacent the port.
 6. Theintegral-venting enteral syringe of claim 1, wherein the syringe bodyand the plunger are each substantially cylindrical.
 7. Theintegral-venting enteral syringe of claim 6, wherein syringe body had anasymmetrical portion extending outwardly to limit rolling movement ofthe syringe body.
 8. The integral-venting enteral syringe of claim 1,further comprising a removable cap for covering and uncovering thesubstantially closed end of the syringe body.
 9. The integral-ventingenteral syringe of claim 1, further comprising an offset tip formed inthe substantially closed end of the syringe body, the offset tip beingpositioned in a position offset from a center of the substantiallyclosed end of the syringe body.
 10. The integral-venting enteral syringeof claim 1, wherein the integrally formed substantially closed endfunctions as a non-removable cap.
 11. A self-venting enteral syringecomprising: a syringe body having an outside surface and defining ahollow internal cavity therein and at least one vent extending from thehollow cavity to the outside surface of the syringe body, the syringebody including an open end and a substantially closed end opposite theopen end, the substantially closed end being integrally formed with theremainder of the syringe body; a plunger operable to selectively travelwithin the hollow cavity; a port formed through the substantially closedend; and a vent formed through the substantially closed end.
 12. Theself-venting enteral syringe of claim 11 wherein the vent is separatefrom the port and extends from generally adjacent the substantiallyclosed end to outside the syringe body.
 13. The self-venting enteralsyringe of claim 11 wherein the vent is formed in or adjacent the port.14. The self-venting enteral syringe of claim 11 wherein the ventcomprises two vents, including a first vent separate from the port andextending from generally adjacent the substantially closed end tooutside the syringe body and a second vent formed in the port.
 15. Theself-venting enteral syringe of claim 14 wherein the port seal comprisesa double-lumen seal such that a supply/discharge lumen and vent lumencan be extended into the double-lumen port.
 16. The self-venting enteralsyringe of claim 11, wherein the syringe body and the plunger are eachsubstantially cylindrical.
 17. The self-venting enteral syringe of claim16, wherein syringe body had an asymmetrical portion extending outwardlyto limit rolling movement of the syringe body.
 18. The self-ventingenteral syringe of claim 11, further comprising a removable cap forcovering and uncovering the substantially closed end of the syringebody.
 19. The self-venting enteral syringe of claim 11, furthercomprising an offset tip formed in the substantially closed end of thesyringe body, the offset tip being positioned in a position offset froma center of the substantially closed end of the syringe body.
 20. Theself-venting enteral syringe of claim 11, wherein the integrally formedsubstantially closed end functions as a non-removable cap.
 21. Aluer-tip-restricting apparatus for use with liquid transfer equipment,comprising: a female port assembly comprising a hollow body with a topopening edge, a bottom opening edge and a tapered inner diameter, thetapered inner diameter is designed to prevent formation of an air-tightfit with a luer tip; and at least one stop protruding from the taperedinner diameter, the at least one stop is positioned within the taperedinner diameter to prevent an air-tight fit with a luer tip inserted intothe top opening edge of the female port assembly.
 22. Theluer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least onestop positioned within the tapered inner diameter to contact theluer-tip without producing an air-tight fit between the luer-tip and thetapered inner diameter.
 23. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim21, wherein the female port assembly is generally barrel-shaped.
 24. Theluer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim 21, wherein the female portassembly comprises a top opening edge and a bottom opening edge, andvarying heights between corresponding points of the top opening edge andthe bottom opening edge.
 25. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim21, further comprising a particle-restricting barrier secured over thebottom opening edge of the female port assembly.
 26. Theluer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim 25, wherein theparticle-restricting barrier comprises a pair of resiliently-flexibleflaps separated by a channel.
 27. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the particle-restricting barrier comprises a vent tomaintain free flow of liquid transfer through the female port assembly.28. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim 21, wherein the femaleport assembly comprises an insert secured within a receiver, the insertcomprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the receivercomprising an inner surface, and the at least one stop protruding fromthe insert inner surface.
 29. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the receiver comprises an inner surface and agenerally continuous groove extending around the inner surface, theinsert comprises an outer surface with a generally continuous ridgeextending around the outer surface, and the generally continuous ridgeis designed to fit within the generally continuous groove.
 30. Theluer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim 28, wherein the receivercomprises at least one recession extending from the top opening andalong a length of the inner circumference, the insert comprises at leastone protrusion extending along a length of the outer surface, and the atleast one protrusion is designed to fit within the at least onerecession.
 31. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus of claim 21, whereinthe luer-tip-restricting apparatus comprises a pair of stops protrudingfrom the tapered inner diameter, the stops separated by a distance nogreater than about 3.925 mm.
 32. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the female port assembly top opening edge comprises aminimum diameter of about 4.270 mm.
 33. A cap for use with a syringebottle comprising a conical lid, a barrel-shaped port assembly and agenerally continuous circumferential groove, the cap comprising: a topplanar surface comprising an elliptical shape with a major axis and aminor axis, the major axis is longer than the minor axis; a generallycontinuous collar extending from the edge of the top planar surface to adistal edge; the collar comprised of resiliently flexible material; apair of opposing grips protruding inwardly from the generally continuouscollar and configured to be removably inserted within the syringe bottlecircumferential groove; and a plug extending from the top planar surfacewithin the generally continuous collar dimensions, the plug designed toremovably insert into the syringe bottle port assembly.
 34. The cap ofclaim 33, wherein the pair of opposing grips is separated along theminor axis.
 35. The cap of claim 34, wherein inward pressure along themajor axis causes elongation of the minor axis.
 36. The cap of claim 33,wherein the plug is configured to form an air-tight fit with the syringebottle port assembly.
 37. The cap of claim 33, wherein the plugcomprises an open end, a central bore, and a closed end.
 38. The cap ofclaim 33, wherein the plug comprises a tapered outer surface.
 39. Thecap of claim 33, wherein the plug is positioned offset from the centerof the major axis and offset from the center of the minor axis.
 40. Thecap of claim 33, further comprising a support extending from the topplanar surface within the generally continuous collar dimensions, thesupport having a distal end configured to contact the syringe bottleconical lid when the pair of grips is inserted within the syringe bottlecontinuous circumferential groove.
 41. The cap of claim 40, wherein thesupport comprises a semi-circular wall with a disconnect, and the plugis positioned generally within the disconnect.
 42. The cap of claim 40,wherein the support and plug are aligned along the major axis.
 43. Thecap of claim 40, wherein the support and plug are aligned along theminor axis.
 44. The cap of claim 33, wherein the generally continuouscollar comprises a varying height between the top planar surface and thedistal edge.
 45. The cap of claim 33, wherein the generally continuouscollar distal edge comprises at least one concave section and at leastone convex section.
 46. An adaptor for use with a syringe bottlecomprising a conical lid, a barrel-shaped port assembly and a generallycontinuous circumferential groove, the adaptor comprising: a resilientlyflexible elliptical collar comprising a major axis and a minor axis; afunnel comprising a sloping surface and an elongated port with a distalend, the funnel extending within the dimensions of the major axis andthe minor axis; and a pair of opposing grips protruding inwardly fromthe elliptical collar and configured to be removably inserted within thesyringe bottle circumferential groove.
 47. The adaptor of claim 46,wherein the pair of opposing grips is separated along the minor axis.48. The adaptor of claim 47, wherein inward pressure along the majoraxis causes elongation of the minor axis.
 49. The adaptor of claim 46,further comprising a support extending from the funnel sloping surfacewithin the elliptical collar dimensions, the support having a distal endconfigured to contact the syringe bottle conical lid when the pair ofgrips is inserted within the syringe bottle continuous circumferentialgroove.
 50. The adaptor of claim 49, wherein the support comprises asemi-circular wall with a disconnect, and the elongated port ispositioned generally within the disconnect.
 51. The adaptor of claim 50,wherein the support and elongated port are aligned along the major axis.52. The adaptor of claim 50, wherein the support and elongated port arealigned along the minor axis.
 53. The adaptor of claim 46, furthercomprising a circumferential mouth with an attachment mechanism.
 54. Theadaptor of claim 46, wherein the elongated port is configured toventedly insert into the syringe bottle port assembly.
 55. The adaptorof claim 46, wherein the elongated port is configured to form anair-tight fit with the syringe bottle port assembly.